THE COMMANDER: MUGLER PRESENTS THE FW26 COLLECTION

words by DEBORAH DRENOFCI

The Commander campaign presents Mugler's FW26 collection, launching in October 2026. Vivian Jenna Wilson is the muse of the campaign, captured by photographer Robi Rodriguez. It's an exploration of the Mugler universe — power, sensuality, and desire — not as separate ideas, but as forces that build on one another.

images courtesy of MUGLER

Creative Director Miguel Castro Freitas leans into power dressing, long a part of Mugler's identity, but his curiosity pushes further, into the corners of seduction, and how it complicates the very idea of power. This restless wandering runs through the entire campaign. Vivian appears in close contact with her own power, and just as close to her vulnerable femininity, which, looked at closely enough, may be the real source of that power. This isn't about submission or control; it's about the freedom found in holding both at once. There's a tension prevailing too, fear laced with serenity.

The collection speaks fluently in Mugler's language: sharp shoulder pads asserting dominance, faux fur, sunglasses, pops of red, black leather announcing its presence loudly. A gold dress, more shoulder pads. Power, stillness, confidence, sensuality, seduction, dominance — all held in a single frame.

Mugler widens the frame of power itself, making room for beauty, eroticism, and a touch of absurdity to float freely within it.